Within a week of being installed, the cameras are already aiding the police.

"Tragically, about 12 hours ago, we had a shooting in which two victims were stuck by gunfire," Sonstegard said. "I know our investigators are looking at the footage from this particular camera."

The police department hopes the cameras serve as a deterrent to crime but also realizes the value of having eyes on a location 24 hours a day.

"Just as importantly, they can provide evidence in investigations if an incident happens in that particular area," Sonstegard said.

The cameras are a comfort to Van's family, but his mom is still fighting for more of them.

"Joshua was also very persistent. That's what I'm striving, you know, to continue," Gonzales said. "Persistent to be able to continue to ask for people to do things to make our community better."

Tuesday, the city council was asked to approve funding for 20 additional cameras, and the police department said it hopes to go back to council members soon with a plan to put up to 100 cameras in neighborhoods with high crime rates.